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BenQ MP512 ST review

Our Rating :
Price when reviewed : £435
inc VAT

Specifications

800×600 resolution, 2,200 ANSI lumens, 255x90x214mm, 2.2kg

http://www.lambda-tek.com/componentshop

If you own a Nintendo Wii, this could be the ideal projector with which to partner it.

The ST suffix stands for ‘short throw’, which means the MP512 can generate a big image from a relatively short distance. This is ideal for the Wii, as it means you can stand behind the projector and avoid obscuring the image. At just 1m you’ll get a 55in image, rising to over 110in at 2m. There’s no zoom, though, so it can be tricky to get the biggest possible display if there are limited places in your lounge to put a projector.

The MP512 uses an 800×600 pixel DLP chip, which is more than enough for the Wii’s standard-definition 480p output. With a claimed brightness of 2,200 lumens, you’ll have no problems playing games with the lights on. There’s no dynamic contrast, but the DLP technology means blacks appear darker than they do on most LCD projectors.

Although the Wii can output games in widescreen, the MP512 has only a traditional 4:3 aspect ratio. Its low resolution means that it’s not ideal for HD games consoles such as the PS3 or Xbox 360. Bearing in mind the standard-definition resolution, it’s unusual to find HDMI alongside the VGA (with supplied component converter), composite and S-video inputs. The 3.5mm mini-jack audio input is useful, especially as the 5W speaker can produce an impressive amount of volume.

If you have a Freeview box with component or S-video outputs then image quality is reasonable, although many boxes have only SCART or low-quality composite outputs. Colours were vibrant and accurate, particularly mid-tones. Thanks to a colour wheel that has more segments than usual, the dreaded DLP rainbow effect wasn’t overly pronounced, although it still reared its head in high-contrast scenes.

Delve into the menu system and it’s clear that this projector is aimed at beginners. It provides troubleshooting help when you can’t see an image and even includes help for simple issues such as a blurry image. You also get several presets for projecting on to coloured walls, with the blackboard option clearly a crossover from BenQ’s education models. These presets are useful, but you’ll get good colour accuracy when projecting on to white surfaces.

As with most current projectors, the lamp lasts around 3,000 hours in standard mode and 4,000 in Eco mode, which dims the brightness to around 1,600 lumens. Lamps cost around £200, which equates to 7p per hour in standard mode.

The MP512’s biggest drawback is its price. It’s hard to justify spending this much when you can buy a 720p model for a similar amount. Unless you specifically need a short-throw model, we’d recommend an HD projector instead.

Details

Price £435
Details www.benq.co.uk
Rating **

Specifications

Projector technology DLP
Lamp brightness 2,200 ANSI lumens
Lamp life 3,000
Lamp life in economy mode 4,000
Contrast ratio 2,500:1

Picture

Native resolution 800×600
Max compressed resolution 1,280×1,024
Aspect ratio 4:3
Other aspect ratios none
Max diagonal at 7ft 118in
Throw ratio 0.9:1
Projection distance 0.5m to 5.5m
Mirror image yes
Invert image yes
HD Ready yes

Inputs/Outputs

VGA input yes
DVI input No
Sound inputs 3.5mm
Composite input yes
S-video input yes
HDMI input yes
Component input via VGA
PAL support yes
SECAM support yes
NTSC support yes
Others inputs/outputs RS232

Other

Noise (in normal use) 31dBA
Size 255x90x214mm
Weight 2.2kg
Internal speakers yes (5W stereo)
Extras remote, cables (power, VGA)
Remote special features screen blank
Power consumption standby 4W
Power consumption on 224W

Lamp

Lamp cost (inc VAT) £207
Lamp supplier www.misco.co.uk
Lamp cost per hour of use £0.07
Lamp cost per hour of use (economy) £0.05

Buying Information

Price £435
Supplier http://www.lambda-tek.com/componentshop
Details www.benq.co.uk

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